What does “Reds under the bed” mean?
"Reds under the bed" means the fear or suspicion of communist influence or infiltration.
What context can I use the in?
Example
During the Cold War, there was widespread concern about Reds under the bed.
Example
The senator fueled the fear of Reds under the bed with his speeches.
Example
The government launched investigations to uncover any potential Reds under the bed
Is “Reds under the bed” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Reds under the bed” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Reds under the bed” effectively in context?
You can use "Reds under the bed" to refer to the fear or suspicion of communist influence or infiltration. It is often used in a historical context to discuss the paranoia and anxiety that characterized the Cold War era. For example, if you are discussing the political climate of the 1950s, you might say, 'There was widespread concern about Reds under the bed during the Cold War.'
- 1Historical Discussion
During a history class, the teacher explained the concept of Reds under the bed and its impact on American society during the Cold War.
- 2Political Analysis
In a political debate, one candidate accused the other of fueling the fear of Reds under the bed to gain support.
- 3Investigations
The government launched investigations to uncover any potential Reds under the bed who might be working against national interests.
Similar phrases to “Reds under the bed”:
The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper evidence
Example
The government launched investigations based on McCarthyism to uncover potential communist sympathizers.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Reds under the bed” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Reds under the bed" can be traced back to the Cold War era, specifically during the 1950s and 1960s. It was a time of heightened anti-communist sentiment in the United States, and the phrase was used to describe the fear or suspicion of communist influence or infiltration. The idea behind the phrase was that communists were hiding everywhere, even under people's beds, ready to spread their ideology and undermine society.
Is “Reds under the bed” common in everyday conversation?
While the phrase "Reds under the bed" is not as commonly used today, it is still recognized and understood by many people, especially those familiar with Cold War history. It is often used in discussions or writings about the political climate of that era.
What tone does “Reds under the bed” have?
"Reds under the bed" conveys a tone of fear, suspicion, and paranoia. It reflects the atmosphere of the Cold War, where there was a pervasive belief that communist influence was lurking everywhere and posed a threat to society.
Can “Reds under the bed” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Reds under the bed" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations or discussions among friends or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts, such as academic papers or historical analyses, to describe the political climate of the Cold War era.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Reds under the bed" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'During the Cold War, there was widespread concern about Reds under the bed.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Watch out for Reds under the bed!' to imply a general sense of caution or suspicion.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- communist threat
- communist infiltration
- communist paranoia
- communist conspiracy
Antonyms
- communist acceptance
- communist embrace
- communist sympathy
